The Wollongong Chapter of the Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales was formed in October 2015. Wollongong is a region known for its collegiate and supportive legal profession. Our Wollongong Chapter has close ties to the University of Wollongong and is driven and organised by a team of local women passionate about advancing and supporting women in the legal industry.
If you are interested in joining our Wollongong Chapter, please contact Clarissa Follan at CFollan@ourlawyers.com.au.
2025 COMMITTEE
CLARISSA FOLLAN – CHAIRWOMAN
Clarissa Follan is an Commercial and Dispute Resolution Lawyer at Our Lawyers in Picton and Mittagong.
Clarissa is passionate about providing support in all walks of life and being able to build connections and growth of those around her. Clarissa is an Executive Committee member of the Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales and an Executive Committee member of the Wollondilly Business Chamber.
She is well aware of the demands juggling “home” duties, working full time, and studying. For that reason, Clarissa often advocates on work-life balance and understanding the mental health of colleagues.
YASMIN GEORGIEVSKA – IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRWOMAN
Yasmin Georgievska is the Immediate Past Chairwoman of the Wollongong Regional Chapter. She is a lawyer at Legal Aid, practicing in Family Law. Yasmin is an Executive member of the Wollongong District Law Society. Yasmin understands what it means to be a working mother in the legal industry.
CHAUNTELLE INGENITO
Chauntelle was called to the NSW Bar in 2021, practicing predominantly in Family Law. She sits on the NSW Bar Association Family Law Committee and NSW Bar Association New Barrister’s Committee, as well as being the assistant treasurer and events committee member of the NSW Women Barristers Forum. Chauntelle hopes to encourage more young women to join the Bar, particularly those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and those with young families.
BREANNA BURNS – SECRETARY
Breeanna is an Associate at PDC Law practicing in Estate Planning, Commercial and Business Law. Breeanna was admitted as a NSW solicitor in July 2021, after studying at the University of Wollongong. Originally from the Central West, Breeanna was involved in the local sporting community and is excited to now be a part of an organisation that operates in the place she now calls home.
ALICE LAURENCE – EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
Alice Laurence is a Special Counsel at Kells Lawyers and specialises in litigation, employment and migration law. She is a proud member of the Wollongong Regional Chapter, a mother of two young children and looks forward to furthering the wonderful work of the Women Lawyers Association of New South Wales in advocating for women in law.
SARAH HILTON – EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
Sarah Hilton is a commercial and property lawyer at PDC Law. Sarah graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce in 2022 and was admitted as a solicitor in July 2023. Being recently admitted to the profession, Sarah is excited to have the opportunity to network and develop strong relationships with like-minded individuals early in her career. Having grown up in the Wollongong area, Sarah has been involved with local community and sporting organisations and looks forward to being able to give back to the Wollongong legal community and be involved in an organisation empowering women in the legal profession.
MARIE RUSSO – MEMBERSHIPS
Marie Russo is a Solicitor at Access Law Group, working in the practice areas of Commercial Law, Civil Litigation and Debt Recovery. Prior to commencing her legal career, Marie worked in diverse industries with a focus in Marketing, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Tech. Marie is the President of Junior Chamber International Illawarra and an Executive Councillor of NSW Young Lawyers. While completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Italian; Marketing, Communication, and Advertising) at the University of Wollongong, Marie was an active member of the University of Wollongong Law Students’ Society, serving as the 2022 President and 2021 Vice President (Careers). Marie is a dynamic legal professional who actively advocates for women in the profession. She brings a fresh and unique insight to the Wollongong Regional Chapter. |
MADYSON JEWELL – MARKETING
Madyson Jewell is a property and commercial lawyer at Watson Webb.
Madyson graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Economics and Finance in 2022 and was admitted as a solicitor in May 2023.
Since being admitted, Madyson is keen on the opportunity to work in the local community and develop great relationships, particularly via the Women Lawyers Association.
HAYLEY KELLOWAY – MEMBERSHIPS
Hayley Kelloway has been practising as a solicitor for over 20 years, primarily in the areas of family law and wills. She works in the Family Law division of Nikolovski Lawyers. Hayley is a registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and holds a Masters of Applied Law (Family Law). Since 2009, Hayley has undertaken family law mediations for both parenting and property matters. She has been a Lecturer in the Law Faculty of the University of Wollongong for over 10 years. Hayley is a member of the Collaborative Family Lawyers Illawarra Shoalhaven and is an experienced and trained Family Law Collaborative Professional. |
JESSICA KOOT
Jessica Koot is the Practice Leader of Watts McCray Lawyers Illawarra and has worked for over 20 years in the legal industry.
Jessica is passionate about supporting women and their health and wellbeing. She is the Chairwoman on the board for the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre which is a local not-for-profit organisation that provides support to women in the Illawarra including victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence. The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is creating the Australian first Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre after having received funding from the government to do so. The Centre provides trauma-informed services and support to women.
Jessica is a mother of two and an advocate for the advancement of women in all areas of their lives.
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